Inflammatory pseudotumor of the spleen: a rare entity that may mimic hematopoietic malignancy

A case of benign inflammatory pseudotumor of the spleen is described in a 71-year-old man who presented with left upper quadrant pain and anemia. Definitive diagnosis was made by a combination of microscopic examination with immunohistochemical stains and flow cytometry studies. To our knowledge this is only the 24th reported case of inflammatory pseudotumor involving the spleen. Recognition of this rare entity is important because the clinical manifestations and radiographic features may be indistinguishable from a malignant lymphoproliferative disorder. The clinical presentation, radiographic findings, gross and microscopic features, results of surgery, and long-term follow up are reviewed for our case and the previously reported cases in the literature.